Top 10 news stories of the day: Arson suspected in Table Mountain blaze
A fire has been raging on the slopes of Table Mountain and officials in charge of the national park have stated that preliminary investigations suggest arson to be the cause.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi reacted to a report that R34 million per month was being spent on office rentals for government departments, while Julius Malema said the court case over the VAT increase was a necessary intervention.
The Vaal passed the 120% capacity mark over the weekend, but residents in danger refuse to heed an evacuation order.
Here is what else made headlines on 28 April:
Higher education minister apologises for late Nsfas payments, addresses appeals
The Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, on Sunday, released a statement addressing crucial issues affecting students who rely on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas).
Picture: Facebook
Nkabane's address focused primarily on the delayed disbursement of Tvet allowances and provided updates on the Nsfas appeals process.
READ MORE: Higher education minister apologises for late Nsfas payments, addresses appeals
WATCH: BMA intercepts and detains over 6 000 people trying to enter or leave SA illegally
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has revealed that officials intercepted and detained over 6 000 individuals who were attempting to enter or leave South Africa illegally.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato with some of the drones used during their operations. Picture: BMA
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato was briefing the media on Monday on the movement statistics as well as interceptions at various Ports of Entry during the Easter period.
READ MORE: WATCH: BMA intercepts and detains over 6 000 people trying to enter or leave SA illegally
WATCH: Suspension of VAT increase 'necessary intervention,' Malema says
EFF leader Julius Malema addressed a media briefing following the Western Cape High Court Order on Sunday, which suspended the 0.5% VAT increases and set aside the 2025 Fiscal Framework and revenue proposals.
EFF leader Julius Malema. Picture: Facebook/Economic Freedom Fighters
Malema said the EFF has maintained that fiscal adjustment must not occur at the expense of the poor and the working class.
READ MORE: WATCH: Suspension of VAT increase 'necessary intervention,' Malema says
Eleven classrooms destroyed after fire guts Riverlea High School
At least eleven classrooms have been destroyed after a fire gutted the Riverlea High School, west of Johannesburg.
At least eleven classrooms have been destroyed after a fire gutted the Riverlea High School. Picture: Gauteng Education Department.
It is understood that the blaze broke out just before 6pm Sunday evening.
READ MORE: Eleven classrooms destroyed after fire guts Riverlea High School
Vaal Dam: Residents refuse evacuation orders despite rising flood dangers
Residents in areas along the Vaal River are refusing evacuation orders despite dangerous flooding conditions, according to reports from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).
Water management authorities have implemented a structured release schedule to manage the rising water levels. Picture; Nigel Sibanda
The latest Vaal Dam and Vaal Barrage Hydrological Information reveals the severity of the situation, with the dam reaching 120.69% capacity by Monday.
READ MORE: Vaal Dam: Residents refuse evacuation orders despite rising flood dangers
City Power will not pay to replace this cable if stolen by thieves
City Power has warned Johannesburg residents of a surge in theft of a specific type of cable.
Picture: City Power
Frustratingly for the customer, should the service cable connection be severed, the replacement cost becomes the resident's headache.
READ MORE: City Power will not pay to replace this cable if stolen by thieves
Pirates legend blames Riveiro for Champions League exit
Former Orlando Pirates winger Lebohang 'Cheeseboy' Mokoena has blamed coach Jose Riveiro and the Bucs players for the club's exit from the Caf Champions League.
Nkosinathi Sibisi of Orlando Pirates reacts dejected during the Caf Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final 2nd Leg match against Pyramids FC at 30 June Stadium last Friday. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
After playing to a goalless draw in Soweto, Pyramids edged the Buccaneers 3-2 at home to set up a final with Mamelodi Sundowns.
READ MORE: Pirates legend blames Riveiro for Champions League exit
Mass player exodus expected at Kaizer Chiefs
Across the Soweto divide, Kaizer Chiefs will part ways with many players at the end of the season, as part of a major squad overhaul following another disappointing showing in the Betway Premiership this season.
Ranga Chivaviro (2nd right) is said to be one of the players that will be released by Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
According to a source, coach Nasreddine Nabi is not happy with the performances of several players in the team and has recommended that they must be released at the end of the season.
READ MORE: Mass player exodus expected at Kaizer Chiefs
Lesufi to call in forensic firm to scrutinise R34 million office rentals
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi will be looking into the high costs associated with renting office space for government departments.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. Picture: Nigel Sibanda / The Citizen
MEC for Infrastructure Development Jacob Mamabolo recently revealed that R34 million per month was being spent on renting office space, despite the provincial government owning 41 vacant buildings.
READ MORE: Lesufi to call in forensic firm to scrutinise R34 million office rentals
Arson suspected as fire rages across Table Mountain National Park, 3 000 hectares burned
A massive wildfire continues to ravage Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town, with approximately 3,000 hectares of vegetation already destroyed.
Table Mountain Fire. Image: TrafficSA/X
The blaze, which authorities suspect was deliberately set, has forced the evacuation of 198 households and continues to pose significant challenges for firefighting teams.
READ MORE: Arson suspected as fire rages across Table Mountain National Park, 3 000 hectares burned
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